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Central UCC
Central Congregational
United Church of Christ
 
IN THIS ISSUE
Sunday Worship: May 18
Staff Transition
Congregational Meeting: May 18
Drew Terry Ordained
Children's Sunday School
Youth
Children's Peace Camp June 9-13
Youth Peace Camp July 7 to 13
Practical Theology
Sacred Journeys
Hunger in America: Apr 27, May 11 &18
Earth Topics May 13
Rev. Michael's Sabbatical
Table Talk
FOG: June 7
Plymouth Harbor Celebration: June 8
PH Member, Alden Pendery, died
S. Georgia Farmworkers Project
DOC Women's Gathering
Montclair Elem. School
Mission Trip Meeting
Back Bay Mission Trip Sept 21-27 2014
Toco Hills - Food
Toco Hills- Bags
Toco Hills Community Alliance
 
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United Church of Christ 






Sunday, May 18, 2014 
Fifth Sunday of Easter

LECTIONARY READINGS (Click to read them)
FOCUS TEXT:   John 14:1-14
Rev. Michael, preaching
New Members received at the 11:00 service

WORSHIP NOTES

 

The text for Sunday (May 18: Fifth Sunday of Easter), John 14:1-14, was the pericope for my first sermon; I was fourteen.  The occasion was a "youth service" celebrating the anniversary of the call of our pastor to the pulpit of our congregation.  I remember the day fairly clearly; perhaps as an act of confessing ... Continue reading �...�

STAFF TRANSITION

With profound appreciation for his gifts in worship leadership and his gracious spirit, I share with you that I have received the resignation of Dr. James Kohler as the organist of Central.  James has been a valued member of the Worship Staff since 2010, but his "day job" has been (and continues to be) as a scientist researching issues related to HIV/AIDS. As he shared with me, "I have been working two jobs since high school." Certainly as I prepare to depart shortly for sabbatical, I wish him the same renewal of spirit.

 

James' last Sunday "on the bench" will be May 25. Plans are being made for a reception following worship that day; you may contribute to a "purse" by making donations to Central and noting "James" in the memo. 

 

The Personnel Committee has accepted the gracious offer of Gregg Tomlinson to serve as "Organist, Stated Supply" beginning Sunday, June 1.  We are very grateful to have a skilled church musician ready to immediately assume the bench duties and worship leadership.  The search process will not begin until I return in the fall.

 

Please join me in expressing thanks to both James and Gregg; our individual and communal worship life is enriched and supported by both their gifts.

 

In hopes of wholeness,

 

Rev. Michael

 

Congregation Meeting: May 18

Following worship 

 

Topics will include the annual budget, the nominating report for church leadership, endowment grant recommendations, and a few amendments to The Articles (the governing document of the congregation). 

 

The Council has approved recommended amendments to The Articles.  These, and other documents related to the congregational meeting on May 18 are on our website (click here).  

 

The amendment regarding baptism has been referred back to committee and will not be a matter of business at this meeting.

 

All Active and Associate Members are requested to attend the congregational meeting.

Ordination of Drew Terry
Drew Terry, a student intern, at Central Congregational UCC during the 2010-2011 season was ordained to Christian ministry on Sunday May 11, 2014. It was a wonderful celebration of family and friends and the congregation at Kirkwood UCC. Drew will be moving soon to Boise, Idaho to serve as the pastor of Wright Congregational UCC.
Children & Youth

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL

TODAY, May 18: LAST CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL UNTIL LATE SUMMER

Sunday school for 3rd to 5th grades (Room 208) and 6th to 12th grades (Room 102) is from 9:30 to 10:45 am; for 3 & 4 year olds (Room 205) and K to 2nd grades (Room 207), its from 11:00am to Noon. Youth Worship and Children's Sunday School will resume in late summer.

 

CHILDCARE 

Childcare is available for infants and children thru 2nd grade in the CE Wing, 8:30AM-12:15PM.

YOUTH
YOUTH WORSHIP

(Sundays, 9:30-10:45 AM, Rm 103)

May 18: Last Youth Worship until late summer

 

ALL AVAILABLE ADULTS, PARENTS, YOUTH

NEEDED TO SORT & PACK CLOTHING FOR SOUTH GA FARMWORKERS

Sunday, May 18, following the congregational meeting, 2:00-4:00pm, Room 102

We need church members, parents, youth - all who can help. There will be some lunch goodies available at the sorting.  Please contact Lacey, Youth Director, if you have questions.

 

We need clothing donations for south Georgia Farmworkers Health Project by May 18.
Please turn in your permission forms and $100.00 deposit for South Georgia trip. Financial scholarships are available upon request. If you have any questions please contact Lacey Brown.
 
Mission Trips and Peace Camp
If you are planning on or are interested in participating in one of the youth mission trips, please be in touch with Lacey this month. If you would like to help chaperone for one of the trips, please contact Lacey soon.
  • June 9-13: S.GA. Farmworkers Health Project, Valdosta, GA (Middle High)
  • June 22-28: Appalachian South Folklife Center, Pipestem, West VA (Senior High)
  • July 7-11, 8:00am-5:00pm: Youth Peace Camp, metro-Atlanta (6th to 12th Grades)
Questions? 
Please contact Youth Minister Lacey Brown.

CHILDREN'S PEACE CAMP 

June 9-13, 2014, 8:45 AM to Noon 

Rising K to Rising 5th Graders Wanted

Volunteers Needed

Peace Camp will focus on water. We will explore the forest and the stream and think about all the places which hold and use water. The children will learn and play through music, crafts, games, and Bible stories.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Rev. Ginnie .
 

YOUTH PEACE CAMP 

July 7 to 13, 2014, 8am-5pm

Rising 6th - 12th Graders Wanted

Volunteers Needed

Peace Camp will be a time of service and fun. We will be participating in service activities in the mornings in the city and in the forest. Afternoons will include a variety of fun activities. There is a cost for registration. We will be inviting youth from other UCC churches. Our limit is 24 participants. For more information or to sign up, please contact Lacey Brown, Youth Director.

Adult Spiritual Formation

The Practical Theology class (Room 206) 9:30-10:45AM

The Practical Theology class (Room 206) studies, explores and takes action on Current issues.  The class shares leadership and begins each class with "How was your week?" and a devotional.Study: NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION: Sunday, May 18th  (Fellowship Hall)"A Place at the Table" class with Bill O'Steen  

 

Sunday, May 18 (Fellowship Hall)

"A Place at the Table" class with Bill O'Steen 

 

Sunday,  May 25 - (Room 206)

Follow-up class on food production in America with Nancy Wetzel

 

Sunday, June 1 - (Room 206)

Discussion and decision on our next study 

 

We have a list of 10 books to consider for our next study:

  • WHEN the PAST IS PRESENT: Healing the Emotional Wounds that Sabotage our Relationships by David Richo
  • SELLING WATER BY THE RIVER (A Book About the Life Jesus Promised and the Religion that Gets in the Way) by Shane Hipps
  • AMERICAN NATIONS:  A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures by Colin Woodard
  • WHY DID JUSUS, MOSES, the BUDDHA, and MOHAMMED CROSS the ROAD by Brian McLaren
  • AMERICAN GOSPEL by Jon Meacham
  • THE LIFE of MEANING by Bob Abernathy, William Bole and Tom Brokaw
  • THE BEST OF ENEMIES by Osha Gray Davidson
  • THE NEW JIM CROW by Michelle Alexander
  • LEARNING TO WALK IN THE DARK by Barbara Brown Taylor
  • OCCUPY THE BIBLEWHAT JESUS REALLY SAID (and DID) ABOUT MONEY and POWER by Susan Thistlethwaite

On Sunday, June 1st we will discuss and choose a new study from the top 3 suggested books.  Our new study will be announced and begin on June 8th.   

 

Questions? Contact George and Jackie 

ONGOING SUNDAY GATHERING: 
SACRED JOURNEYS

Sundays, 9:30 to 10:50 AM

Fellowship Hall, Steinhaus Library

Each week this group explores how spirit guides our personal journeys, and we gain new insights by listening to each other.  It is a sacred hour +, from 9:30 to about 10:50, where the discussion might be inspired one week by a poem, another by an excerpt from a book, a film clip, or an audio tape.  You do not need to read or prepare in advance, and you can join this class from time to time, whenever you wish.  Sacred Journeys is wide open.  We close the door to create a quiet space but you are welcome to open it and come on in. Get to know new people at Central or revisit old friends and explore how the spiritual intertwines with the personal for you. 

Hunger in America: 

The Problem and Solutions

Sunday, May 18

9:30 to 10:45 AM, Fellowship Hall

Please join the Board of Mission and Action as we study the issue of hunger in America.  This three week study will begin on April 27 with the documentary "A Place at the Table".  The film will serve as a starting point for follow up discussions in May. Handouts or other resources will be distributed for review to facilitate the discussions. We will consider the causes of hunger in America, the different aspects of hunger in America, some approaches for addressing the issue, and the perspectives of people and organizations who struggle with this problem.  

Questions? Contact Bill O'Steen

EARTH TOPICS

Second Tuesday - June 10

6:30 to 8:00 PM, The Commons

Once a month, a group of us gather to talk about our connections between the Holy and the Earth, ecological concerns and projects we are doing, and time to enjoy our love of nature. We have been reading essays from Spiritual Ecology, a collection of essays edited by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee. In May, we will discuss "Imagining Earth" by Geneen Marie Haugen. In June, the essay will be "Care of the Soul of the World" by Bill Plotkin.  Folks bring with them other topics of interest, too. No preparation is needed. Join us for great conversation and fellowship. Questions? Contact Rev. Ginnie 

Adult Spiritual Formation
Non-Sunday Gatherings
 SABBATICAL PREACHERS

 

Rev. Michael will be on sabbatical this June, July, and August; after preaching on May 25, he soon departs for India for the summer where he will be studying and practicing meditation and yoga in Dharamsala. Located in northern India, in the Himalayas, Dharamsala is the seat of the Tibetean government in exile and the residence of the Dalai Lama.

 

This summer there is an exciting rota of preachers: Lacey Brown, Warren Culpepper, Rev. Ginnie Ferrell, Dr. Jon Gunnemann, Michelle Holtmann, Dr. Ron Joyner, Gail McGill, Rev. Truman Moore, Rev. Joyce Myers-Brown, Rev. Kim Sorrells, Rev. Dave Spence and Rev. Ruben Swint. 

 

Be sure to watch the E-News every week for information about Sunday worship.

 

Rev. Michael will return to the pulpit at Central on Homecoming Sunday, September 7, 2014

TABLE TALK

Tuesday, May 20, 6:30PM to 8:30 (off campus)

Table Talk is a monthly gathering, hosted at the gracious dining room table of Joan and Bill Harrison (409 Oakland Street, Decatur) and facilitated by Rev. Michael.  It is not a "traditional" group; folk come and go as they are able and no advance reading is required.  Please bring a dish to share, if you are able-there is always a gracious plenty of food.  

Women's Daytime Book Group
Thursday, June 5, 1:30pm, Fireplace Room

The next gathering is Thursday, June 5 at 1:30 in the Fireplace Room.  The book is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.  Read and attend as you can; no commitment.  Send an e-mail to Geneva Benoit if you would like to be on the group's email list: Geneva Benoit.

FELLOWSHIP OF THE GRAPE, Saturday, June 7, 7:00pm, Winebarger's home

Laura and Bob Winebarger will host June FOG Saturday, June 7th at 7pm.  Laura and Bob have chosen sparkling wines as their selection for the month.  Any and all appetizers or dishes, desserts or snacks to share that will pair with white wines will be appreciated.  For those not familiar with FOG, attending is of the best ways to meet Central's members and visitors of all ages and stages of life in a casual setting.  The tastings are not formal, just informative.  You don't have to be a church member to attend and all are welcome!  Event Details:  June 7th, 2014 at 7:00pm.  RSVP to hosts Bob and Laura Winebarger or If you would like to be added to the mailing list for FOG, contact coordinator Robin Lee Fitch at Robin Lee Fitch.  We look forward to seeing you at FOG.

SAVE THE DATE! CELEBRATE PLYMOUTH HARBOR

JUNE 8th 

Celebrate Plymouth Harbor, our church's Day Program for Older Adults since 1991!   At the 11:00 o'clock service on Sunday June 8 we will recognize and honor the many Plymouth Harbor volunteers and introduce Ms. Kay Coppage, LMSW, Director of Plymouth Harbor since June 2013.  After the service a luncheon in honor of our volunteers will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

Death of a Plymouth Harbor Member
 

Raymond "Alden" Pendery, 86, previously of Chesterfield, MO born in New York City to Robert & Maurine Pendery, raised in Ft. Worth, TX passed away peacefully at his home in Atlanta, GA on May 10, 2014.  

 

Beloved husband of 51 years to Sue Pendery, loving father to Rick, Paul, Carol and David; dear father-in-law to Angie, William and Heather; dear grandfather to Adam, Heather, Kelsah (Chad), Rafferty (Hana-li), David, Ross, Connor and Chapman; dear great grandfather to Emmitt, Calder and Ella; dear "little" brother to Pat Reeves; dear uncle to Karen (Mike) and Brad (Tanna) and dear friend to many.  

 

Sign online guest book by clicking here.  

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plymouth Harbor (Adult Day Program), 2676 Clairmont Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.  

 

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Monday, May 19th and visitation prior to service at 11am.  Location is Gerber Chapel, 23 West Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, Missouri 63119.  Burial will take place at National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis. MO 63125.  Memorial service will be held in Atlanta, GA at a future date.

S. GEORGIA FARMWORKERS HEALTH PROJECT ~  

This Sunday Afternoon!!!

ALL AVAILABLE ADULTS, PARENTS, YOUTH NEEDED TO SORT & PACK CLOTHING

Sunday, May 18, following the congregational meeting, 2:00-4:00pm, Room 102

We need church members, parents, youth - all who can help. There will be some lunch goodies available at the sorting.  

There are labeled collection bins in the entryway if you have donations. Questions, please contact the Youth Director, Lacey Brown.
Disciples of Christ
Women's Gathering
June 25-29, Marriott Marquis, Atlanta

Our partners in ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will convene the 2014 Quadrennial Assembly at the Marriott Marquis here in Atlanta June 25-29.  QA is sponsored by International Disciples Women's Ministries to bring women together from around the world for worship, music, Bible study, workshop, service, and fellowship (www.quadrennial.org). Men, youth and children, too! While we hope many of you will register for the event, we will need many volunteers to be airport greeters, registration and information booth helpers, first aid center staff (do not have to be medical personnel), walkers and helpers for the Saturday Walk Against Human Trafficking, tour guides for visits to the Martin Luther King Center, transportation committee helpers, communion servers, health fair volunteers, ushers and more. FYI: The training for King Center volunteers is on Saturday, May 24. Please give this invitation your prayerful consideration. If you can give a few hours of your time between June 24 and June 29, or want to know more, please contact me, The Rev. Elizabeth Mitchell Clement

MONTCLAIR  

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 

Between Central and Buford Highway there is an elementary school of about 1200 students with 90% of those students receiving a free or reduced price lunch as well as breakfast at school. Over the last several months, we have collected monies for holiday "Food Baskets" and winter clothing. Volunteer tutors have begun to work with the students. We are looking into ways of providing books to read and weekend food. If you would like to help with this ministry, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen.  

BACK BAY MISSION TRIP
There will be a meeting of prospective mission participants  at 9:30 AM on June 1st in the Fellowship Hall. We need to discuss the financial aspects, transportation and the required paper work. Our trip from September 21-27th is fast approaching.

BACK BAY MISSION TRIP  

(Sept 21-27, 2014, Biloxi, MS)

On our mission trip to the UCC Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi, we will be participating in the Housing Recovery/Work Camping. There is also work inside at the food pantry or cooking all the meals. If you have questions or would like to sign up, please contact Jean Haller or Bill O'Steen.

PLEASE STOCK THE SHELVES: TOCO HILLS

The shelves at Toco Hills Community Alliance are getting low.  As the weather gets warmer, remember the pantry becomes thin.   Mainly two reasons:  Families who have children at home during the summer require extra food.  And most food drives happen in the fall so by spring and summer those food reserves are getting depleted.  This month, our church will focus on collecting  CANNED MEATS such as tuna, chicken, spaghetti with meatballs, spam, etc.  And of course the pantry can also use other kinds of food such as Cereal, Pasta, and Canned Veggies & Fruits.  Thank you for all your doing to help feed our neighbors around Central.  Questions?  Ask Bob Fredrick, Jean Haller or Beth Herndon. 

TOCO HILLS COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

 Toco Hills needs your plastic bags!  We recycle used grocery bags to put food in for our clients.  Drop them by at 1790 Lavista Road or give them to someone at your church who volunteers with us.  Thanks!

Toco Hills Community Alliance Is Heating Up!

Our old building is currently cooled by two overworked window air conditioner units.  They do make it slightly less muggy than outside, but are definitely not cooling our space to a comfortable level.  We are wondering if in someone's garage or basement, there is an unused window air conditioning unit gathering dust.  Surely in the six churches that support us, there is one air conditioner looking for a new home!  If we had one more window unit, it would make us much cooler!  Please contact Mary-Louise Wilson at [email protected] to donate.  ( We would also take a brand new one, if someone felt led....)